Ukraine and Russia on path to trade war over EU pact

EUObserver reported that Ukraine and Russia met on the 19 August 2013 to discuss a growing trade dispute which had seen Ukrainian products piling up on the Russian border.

An EU-Ukraine political and trade agreement, which might be signed in November 2013, had reportedly triggered the dispute, with one top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin describing the upcoming EU deal as 'suicidal' for Ukraine.

The BBC reported that Ukraine had refused plans to join a customs union (comprising Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) proposed by Russia for former members of the Soviet Union.

On the 22 August 2013 President Putin warned Ukraine he would take 'protective measures' if it signed the EU free trade pact.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Mykola Azarov urged Russia on the 28 August 2013 to face the 'reality' that the Ukraine would create a free trade zone with the EU.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Window of opportunity is closing, EU ministers warn Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/window-of-opportunity-is-closing-eu-ministers-warn-ukraine/

ESO: Background Information: Ukraine compares EU pact signature to ‘fall of Berlin Wall’ http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-compares-eu-pact-signature-to-fall-of-berlin-wall/

EEAS: EU Around the Globe: Countries: Ukraine http://www.eeas.europa.eu/ukraine/

European Commission: DG Trade: Policy: Countries and regions: Ukraine http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/ukraine/

BBC News, 15.08.13: Ukrainians accuse Russia over trade http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23716268

Kyiv Post, 19.08.13: Ukraine could lose trade war with Russia without IMF and WTO's help, says expert http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-could-lose-trade-war-with-russia-without-imf-and-wtos-help-says-expert-328553.html

RIA Novosti, 19.08.13: Kremlin Warns Kiev Over 'Suicidal' Ukraine-EU Trade Deal http://en.rian.ru/russia/20130819/182849320/Kremlin-Warns-Kiev-Over-Suicidal-Ukraine-EU-Trade-Deal.html

Public Service Europe, 20.08.13: Russian action on Ukraine imports 'utterly unacceptable' http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3966/russian-action-on-ukraine-imports-utterly-unacceptable

RIA Novosti, 22.08.13: Uncertain World: Russia and Ukraine on the Verge of a Decisive Choice http://en.rian.ru/columnists/20130822/182911246/Uncertain-World-Russia-and-Ukraine-on-the-Verge-of-a-Decisive.html

EUObserver, 23.08.13: Putin warns Ukraine against EU pact http://euobserver.com/foreign/121189

EIA Novosti, 23.08.13: Ukraine-EU Deal to Entail Protective Measures – Putin http://en.rian.ru/politics/20130823/182920979/Ukraine-EU-Deal-to-Entail-Protective-Measures---Putin.html

EurActiv, 27.08.13: Eastern countries add Ukraine to foreign ministers’ agenda http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/countries-put-ukraine-eu-ministe-news-529955

EUObserver, 29.08.13: Ukraine urges Russia to accept 'reality' on EU relations http://euobserver.com/political/121236

EurActiv, 30.08.13: Putin ‘deserves medal’ for pushing Ukraine towards EU http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/putin-deserved-medal-pushing-ukr-news-530038

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